Rodney Ellis — Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1

When potholes swallow cars on Almeda Road or flood water rises in Third Ward, Commissioner Rodney Ellis makes the call on fixes. He represents Precinct 1, which covers Third Ward, Midtown, the Museum District, and parts of southwest Houston.

Ellis handles the county work that touches daily life. His office manages road repairs when streets crack apart. They run flood control projects that keep water out of homes. Social services for families flow through his precinct office too.

Ellis has held this commissioner seat since 2016. Before that, he spent 26 years in the Texas State Senate. He chairs several Harris County committees that decide how millions in county money gets spent.

Flooding hits hardest in neighborhoods that got shortchanged for decades. Ellis has pushed county resources toward flood fixes in these areas. When Harvey hit in 2017, some Third Ward streets turned into rivers. Ellis fought for drainage improvements and buyouts of flood-damaged homes.

County commissioners vote on the annual budget that funds everything from sheriff deputies to public health clinics. They approve major construction projects. They set property tax rates that determine how much homeowners pay each year. Ellis sits on committees for budget, flood control, and environmental issues.

People can reach Commissioner Ellis through his precinct office for problems with county roads, drainage, or social services. His staff takes calls about potholes, broken traffic lights, and flooding complaints. The office also connects residents to county programs for job training, health services, and senior assistance.

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